Galling question

[msalm]

Looks to me like that groove is from the machining process when being manufactured. Especially as it’s right at the point where the interrupted cut ended if it was done by a turning operation. There’s no corresponding mark on the lug seat in the action and I’m pretty sure the bolts are hardened a bit higher on the Rockwell scale than the action? Or is it the other way around?

 

[swd]

Here’s a badly galled Bat that came in the shop a few years ago. He was given really bad advice on how to maintain his action by another shooter. Even the cocking ramp at the back of the bolt was galled. He was sick when I told how bad it was. I was able to save it and the rifle came in a very close second at a big state championship a couple years ago.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

Doesn't look any different than any of my guns which have always got greased or my older ones that didn't get greased for thousands of rounds before I knew lugs should get grease. I operate in extreme desert dust always. Im guessing if alex says it is fine, it's fine.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

Here’s a badly galled Bat that came in the shop a few years ago. He was given really bad advice on how to maintain his action by another shooter. Even the cocking ramp at the back of the bolt was galled. He was sick when I told how bad it was. I was able to save it and the rifle came in a very close second at a big state championship a couple years ago.

Oh man, how is that even possible?

 

[swd]

Oh man, how is that even possible?

It was his first custom action and another shooter which he mistakenly respected told him to run it dry.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

It was his first custom action and another shooter which he mistakenly respected told him to run it dry.

I mean i ran all my bolt guns dry for years other than a light coat of oil for rust. At the time I only used factory ammo. They dont look anything like that. Maybe neck sizing or jamming the lands and slamming the bolt to close it?

 

[swd]

I mean i ran all my bolt guns dry for years other than a light coat of oil for rust. At the time I only used factory ammo. They dont look anything like that. Maybe neck sizing or jamming the lands and slamming the bolt to close it?

Be kind to your actions. Good grease is cheap. You run an all stainless action dry and you’re asking for what happened to this guy. And I’ve seen CM actions gall too. No matter what the material keep them clean and lubed properly.

 

[FNSafari]

I had a SS action from a custom maker that galled with what I thought was not much resistance to bolt opening, on the secondary extraction surface of the action. It was greased. Its always made me wonder about the heat treat and if there is a minimum acceptable. And do the action maker check it if they have another concern do it?

 

[Alex Wheeler]

The choice of materials and hardness is always a trade off. I wont state this as fact but opinion based on a lot of actions I have experience with. 17-4 holds the most pressure overall. It also galls the easiest. Nitride cures that problem. Part of the reason I think its so consistent in that regard is Bat heat treats it in house. Its very consistent action to action. CM also handles pressure very well and is less likely to gall, but I have seen more variation in that material. Probably because its used as it comes from the mill. 416 handles the least pressure in my opinion. But its less likely to gall. But still can. If you make it harder that helps, but theres such thing as too hard as well. The other reason to pick material is warpage during machining. But thats another subject. 17-4 nitrided would be my first pick if macining process is well figured out as its warpy. But they all do the job.

 

[RabbitSlayer]

Be kind to your actions. Good grease is cheap. You run an all stainless action dry and you’re asking for what happened to this guy. And I’ve seen CM actions gall too. No matter what the material keep them clean and lubed properly.

I just didn't know back in the day. I keep the lugs greased now though.

 

[AlNyhus]

Be kind to your actions. Good grease is cheap. You run an all stainless action dry and you’re asking for what happened to this guy. And I’ve seen CM actions gall too. No matter what the material keep them clean and lubed properly.

It's amazing how many shooters lack basic mechanical and common sense. Some of these dolts shouldn't be allowed to own anything nice.

 

[boltfluter]

Here’s a badly galled Bat that came in the shop a few years ago. He was given really bad advice on how to maintain his action by another shooter. Even the cocking ramp at the back of the bolt was galled. He was sick when I told how bad it was. I was able to save it and the rifle came in a very close second at a big state championship a couple years ago.

Had a few of those in the shop as well. Good old 17-4 stainless steel. It can be a blessing or a curse. BAT should probably include instructions in the box on how to lube and maintain the bolt lugs and action. Seems like it may eliminate a lot of grief.
Paul